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Related InformationHerbs with Similar Side EffectsView List by Side Effect Herbs with Similar UsesView List by Use Herbs with Similar WarningsView List by Warning Uses of this HerbAsthma Bronchitis Cough Drugs that InteractSummary Learn More AboutHerbal medicine

Lobelia

Also listed as: Asthma weed; Bladderpod; Gagroot; Indian tobacco; Lobelia inflata; Pukeweed; Vomitroot

Overview Plant Description Parts Used Medicinal Uses and Indications Available Forms How to Take It Precautions Possible Interactions Supporting Research

Overview

Lobelia ( Lobelia inflata ), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Native Americans historically have smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed." Today, lobelia is considered effective in helping clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Although few studies have thoroughly evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today incorporate lobelia into a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma.

An active ingredient in the lobelia plant, lobeline, is similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. Like nicotine, it stimulates nerves in the central nervous system. For this reason, lobeline was once used as a nicotine substitute in many anti-smoking products and preparations designed to break the smoking habit. In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the sale of lobeline-containing smoking products. The FDA reported that such products lacked effectiveness in helping people quit or reduce smoking.

It is important to note that lobelia is a potentially toxic herb. Lobelia can be safely used in very small doses (particularly homeopathic doses), but moderate-to-large doses can cause serious adverse effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma (see Precautions). Under the guidance of a qualified health care provider, however, lobelia, in combination with other herbs that affect the respiratory system, is considered relatively safe.

Plant Description

Lobelia is an attractive annual or sometimes biennial (replanted every year or two) herb that grows to a height of three feet. Its erect, hairy stem is angular, branching at the top, usually green with a tinge of violet. The pale green or yellowish leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue outside and pale yellow inside.

Parts Used

The above-ground portions of the lobelia plant (namely the leaves and seeds) are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Lobelia has not been well studied in animals or people. However, a qualified health care provider may recommend this herb (usually in combination with other herbs) for the treatment of the following respiratory problems:

Asthma Bronchitis Cough

Lobelia is also diluted to a homeopathic dose and used alone or in combination with other products for smoking cessation, muscle relaxation, nausea, vomiting, and various respiratory illnesses.

Available Forms

Lobelia is available in liquid extracts, tinctures, and as a dried herb in capsules and for teas.

How to Take It

Therapy should begin with lower dosages and increase gradually, depending upon response.

Pediatric

Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the appropriate dose of lobelia for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Adult

The following are recommended adult doses:

Dried herb (infusion or decoction): ¼ - ½ tsp herb in 8 oz of water, preferably mixed with other herbs. Steep 30 - 40 minutes and take 2 oz (60 mL), 4 times daily. (This method is not preferred because of lobelia's acrid taste.) Liquid extract (1:1 in 50 % alcohol): 0.2 - 0.6 mL (4 - 18 drops), 3 times daily Tincture of lobelia: 0.6 - 2.0 mL (18 - 60 drops) daily Vinegar tincture of lobelia (1:5 in dilute acetic acid): 1 - 4 mL (20 - 120 drops), 3 times daily

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision a health care provider.

Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. Active substances in lobelia bind to nicotine receptors in the nervous system and can cause serious symptoms, such as profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and even death. You should not exceed a total daily dosage of 20 mg lobelia. Doses higher than 500 mg are highly toxic and could be fatal.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, and those recovering from shock should not take lobelia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also avoid this herb.

Possible Interactions

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between lobelia and medications. However, based on some of the chemicals contained in lobelia, use caution with the following medications:

Psychiatric medications, including anti-depressants, anti-anxiety agents, and stimulants

Supporting Research

Bradley P, ed. British Herbal Compendium . Vol. I. Dorset (Great Britain): British Herbal Medicine Association; 1992: 149-150.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions . 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998:93-94.

on GC, Rosen RC. Lobeline and reduction of cigarette smoking. Psychol Rep . 1972;31:443-56.

Dwoskin LP, Crooks PA. A novel mechanism of action and potential use for lobeline as a treatment for psychostimulant abuse. Biochem Pharmacol . 2002;63(2):89-98.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Christof J. PDR for Herbal Medicines . 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000: 479-480.

Karch SB. The Consumer's Guide to Herbal Medicine . Hauppauge, New York: Advanced Research Press; 1999:127-128.

Lim DY, Kim YS, Miwa S. Influence of lobeline on catecholamine release from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. Auton Neurosci . 2004;110(1):27-35.

Mazur LJ, De Ybarrondo L, J, Colasurdo G. Use of alternative and complementary therapies for pediatric asthma. Tex Med . 2001;97(6):64-68.

Newall C, L, on J. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals . London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996: 187.

Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine . Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus, Inc; 2002:259-261.

Stead LF, JR. Lobeline for smoking cessation (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library , 1, 2002. Oxford: Update Software.

Subarnas A, Tadano T, Oshima Y, Kisara K, Ohizumi Y. Pharmacological properties of beta-amyrin palmitate, a novel centrally acting compound, isolated from Lobelia inflata leaves. J Pharm Pharmacol . 1993; 45(ISS 6):545-550.

Subarnas A, Tadano T, Nakahata N, et al., A possible mechanism of antidepressant activity of beta-amyrin palmitate isolated from Lobelia inflata leaves in the forced swimming test. Life Sci . 1993;52(3):289-96.

Subarnas A, Oshima Y, Sidik, Ohizumi Y. An antidepressant principle of Lobelia inflata L. (Campanulaceae). J Pharm Sci. 1992; 53(7):620-621.

White L, Mavor S. Kids, Herbs, Health . Loveland, Colo: Interweave Press; 1998:22, 35.

Review Date: 1/16/2007 Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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